first class!"

Yes; it was Jordan, back at West Point, sure of escaping recognition,
and bent on a desperate errand of wrecking Dick Prescott's promising
career.

But Dick performed all his duties through that dress parade conscious
only of the glory of the soldier's life. He thought he had caught
a fleeting glimpse of his mother once, in the crowd, as his company
executed a wheeling, and he was happy in what he knew her happiness
to be.

Then, when it was all over, and the corps again marched from the
field, Mrs. Prescott, who knew the ways of West Point, went and
stood at the edge of the grassy plain, nearly opposite the north
sally-port. Five minutes after the last of the corps had marched
in under the port, Dick, his dress uniform changed for the fatigue,
came out with bounding step and crossed the road.

Wholly unashamed, he passed his arms around his mother, gave her
a big hug, several kisses, and then, hat in hand, turned to stroll
with her under the trees.

"Dad couldn't come, I'm afraid?" Dick asked in disappointment.

"He had to stay and look after the store, you know, Dick, my boy.
But the store will be closed two days this week, for your father
is coming on here to see you graduate. Nothing could keep him
away from that."

"And how is everyone at home? How is Laura?" Dick asked eagerly.

"She will be here in time for the graduation hop," replied Mrs.
Prescott. "She told me she had seen you so far through your West
Point life, that she would feel uneasy over not being here to
see the last move of all. Dick, do you mind your mother asking
you a question? You used to care especially for Laura Bentley,
did you not?"

"Why, mother?" asked Prescott with a sudden sinking at heart.

Lounging against the other side of a tree that Prescott and his
mother were passing, the disguised Jordan was close enough to hear.

What he heard seemed to deepen the scowl of hatred on his face;
but mother and son were soon out of ear shot, and the miserable
Jordan slunk away.

CHAPTER XXII

CADET PRESCOTT COMMANDS AT SQUADRON DRILL

The Military Academy found itself in a whirling round of recitations
and drills, arranged for the delight of the Board of Visitors.

There were other hundreds of spectators at first, and thousands
later, to see all that was going on, for there are hosts of citizens
who know what inspiring sights are to be found at West Point in
Graduation Week.

"Mr. Prescott is direc